Mountains in Mind photography exhibition raises £2,000 for Ramblers Scotland

A photography exhibition raising awareness of the benefits of walking for mental health and wellbeing has raised £2,000 for Ramblers Scotland
The event, which took place on 23 October in Edinburgh, featured an exhibition of mountain images taken by members of the Edinburgh Young Walkers, plus guest speakers, a raffle and bake sale.
The event was a big success, with over 300 attendees and more than £2,000 raised. The money will all go to Ramblers Scotland, helping get more people into the outdoors.
The event organiser, Amelia Calvert, said: “It feels incredibly worthwhile to have held Mountains in Mind and a huge number of people have commented that the exhibition inspired them, that it made them want to get out in the hills more, that it reinforced their value of walking/exercising in the outdoors, and that it reinforced their love of nature. As far as I’m concerned this is mission accomplished!
“I feel a strong sense of pride from the Edinburgh Young Walkers in holding the event, becoming better known in the local community as a result, and I hope we’ll have attracted some new members – and prompted others to join another of Ramblers Scotland’s groups.”

She added that this remark from a visitor on their comments board really summed up the event:
“Wow!!! What an energetic bubble of people here tonight! This has been so inspiring – thank you. I cannot wait for the weekend – to go and STOMP!”

A lasting legacy

Ramblers Scotland’s convener Alison Mitchell said: “We knew that Mountains in Mind would be popular, but for Edinburgh Young Walkers to attract more than 300 guests and raise £2,000 in one night is a truly remarkable achievement.
“It was wonderful to have inspiring speakers from mental health charities attend the exhibition, and the amazing response from the Scottish outdoor community highlights the increasing recognition that walking can play a major role in boosting people’s mental health and wellbeing.”
She added: “Mountains in Mind was made possible thanks to Edinburgh Young Walkers successfully pitching to Ramblers Scotland for £300 of funding during a fun Dragons’ Den-style activity earlier this year.
“All the money raised will go back into a pot for them and other Ramblers groups to develop further exciting initiatives next year – so this excellent event leaves a lasting legacy.”
Images © David Hatton